Ashamed of Me: Culture Shaming in the Afghan Diaspora

Many Afghans have witnessed their Afghan culture collide with their western interests as they grew up in a Western society. Sometimes the differences between Afghan and western cultures are interesting and even something to be proud of. However, there can be downsides that impact young Afghans' mental health and support system. Perhaps one of the most debilitating effects of this culture class is the alienation that one may experience by their family members. Mariam jan, host of a German blog called Afghanisch Unverblumt, joined me in this episode of Chai Sabz to discuss the serious repercussions of outcasting and stigmatizing our westernized Afghan counterparts. The episode covers mental health issues and the identity crisis that some Afghans may face as a further result of this alienation.  Mariyam jan also discusses her own experience as a young adult who went off to college at the age of 19 and received almost immediate backlash from her extended family members. Today, Mariam jan connects with Afghans of the diaspora on this subject through her blog and is vocal about her thoughts about the Afghan diaspora. Happy Listening!